Liam Kennedy has been speaking on a recent episode of NUFC Matters with Steve Wraith discussing many topics relating to Newcastle United.
The Shields Gazette reporter discussed various things, including the failed takeover of the Toon after Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium withdrew its offer to buy Newcastle last week.
However, as well as discussing this, Kennedy also spoke about Ryan Fraser, who has been linked with a move to Tyneside following his release from Bournemouth.
He said: “I’ve seen some players on certain lists; I think Ryan Fraser was very high on that list.
“He’s a player that was interesting Rafael Benitez back in January 2019 and he’s someone that’s never really gone off the scouting network’s radar.”
Kennedy then went on to reveal that Newcastle might face competition for the former Bournemouth winger, with Fraser having been unable to secure a top-six move since rejecting a short-term extension with Bournemouth.
“He thought his top-six move might’ve been on. Now, that hasn’t materialised, so we’re now talking in the realms of Newcastle fighting it out with Crystal Palace, West Ham, a couple of others, so I think it’s going to be a tight fight.”
He also revealed that Fraser was unsure of the Toon’s previous interest but that Steve Bruce likes him.
“He had his head turned, and he wasn’t sure about [the] Newcastle move even though he knew of the interest, and now, what does he fancy?
“Does he fancy going to a London club, or does he fancy the money or does he fancy a crack at Newcastle United – and that’s up to the player, really.
“But he is a player that Steve Bruce likes, he is a player that’s definitely been on the radar for quite some time.”
It seems that Newcastle want Fraser, but they might face a battle getting him to St. James’ Park.
Would you be happy with Fraser?
Yes, for a free transfer would be a great deal
No, we can do better than him
TIF Thoughts…
Fraser is yet to decide on his future, but if Newcastle were to get him, then they will be hoping that they can get the Fraser from the 2018/19 season and not the 2019/20 version, with the Scot netting seven and assisting 14 in the season before last – while he could only manage a single goal and four assists in the most recent campaign.
It will be interesting to see if the Toon do seal his signature in this transfer window.